SPANISH PROGRAMS NUMEROUS ON L.V. RADIO STATIONS

As the Latino population in the Lehigh Valley increases, so too does the number of Spanish radio shows.

"There's a tremendous audience for Hispanic programming," said Mary Ruth Seybold, station manager at WHOL-AM. "And there's a need for it."

The station follows a contemporary Christian format, but sells air time to those who want to present Spanish programming. On Saturdays, Spanish shows air continuously from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sundays from 2 to 3 p.m., she said.

Beginning weeknights Dec. 6 on WHOL, activist Ricardo Montero will produce "Radio Ole," an hour of Latin music and international and local news. He hopes to eventually expand the show beyond the 6 to 7 p.m. time slot. Montero also will continue with "Sabado Latino" from 3 to 5 p.m. on Saturdays.

Locally, Spanish programming also is available on other radio stations, including Muhlenberg College's WMUH-FM, Lehigh County Community College's WXLV-FM, and on WGPA-AM in Bethlehem.

Among the shows are:

* "Radio Hispano," a mix of music and commentary on WGPA, with host Rick Rosario. The show airs Saturdays from 4 to 5 p.m.

* "La Vos Caribe" with host Norberto Cosme on WMUH-FM. The show airs Sundays from 8 a.m. to noon.

* "Contacto Latino" with host Dr. Jack Lopezcepero on WXLV. The show airs Sundays from noon to 3 p.m.

On Saturdays on WHOL, other Spanish programming includes a commentary program with host Rauel Feliciano from 11 a.m. to noon; Lopezcepero from noon to 1 p.m.; Cosme from 1 to 3 p.m. Also, on Sundays, a Christian Hispanic program with host Jose Mendez airs from 2 to 3 p.m.